Physical Therapy/Occupational Therapy Technician

At Houston Methodist, the Physical/Occupational Therapy Technician (PT/OT Tech) position is responsible for assisting PT/OT staff and members of the direct patient team with treatment procedures as assigned under the direct supervision of a licensed staff either in an outpatient or inpatient setting. This position performs delegated activities that include but are not limited to: patient mobility, assist patient in practicing exercises or functional activities, transport patients to and from treatment areas, equipment inspection and maintenance, supply procurement and stocking, infection control processes, and variety of basic office functions. The PT/OT Technician position delivers exceptional patient care and adheres to rehabilitation standards and guidelines established by the department to ensure optimal patient safety and customer service. This position is a member of the direct patient care team.

FLSA STATUS
Non-exempt

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

• High School diploma or equivalent education (examples include: GED, verification of homeschool equivalency, partial or full completion of post-secondary education, etc.)

EXPERIENCE

• Experience in a healthcare setting highly preferred

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS
Required

• BLS - Basic Life Support or Instructor (AHA) - American Heart Association

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through on-going skills, competency assessments, and performance evaluations
• Sufficient proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing the English language necessary to perform the essential functions of this job, especially with regard to activities impacting patient or employee safety or security
• Ability to effectively communicate with patients, physicians, family members and co-workers in a manner consistent with a customer service focus and application of positive language principles
• Exhibits strong interpersonal, teamwork and leadership skills with all levels of the healthcare team and assures delivery of excellent customer service to all patients, visitors, physicians, and co-workers
• Possesses proficient computer knowledge; operates multiple computer systems and standard Rehabilitation equipment
• Demonstrates professional and technical competence in the following of treatment plans.
• Adapts to multiple ongoing priorities with minimal supervision including but not limited to organizing workflows and actively participating in problem-solving
• Ability to provide a supportive and engaging environment that enhances the quality of life for patients

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

PEOPLE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Interacts with patients, staff and other departments in a caring and courteous manner. Collaborates with all members of the interprofessional care team by actively communicating and reporting pertinent patient care information and data in a comprehensive manner.
• Functions as a team member, responding willingly and positively to colleagues’ needs for assistance and partnership. Promotes a positive work environment with the interprofessional care team. Problem-solves, assists other techs.
• Contributes towards improvement of department score in employee satisfaction, i.e., peer-to-peer accountability.

SERVICE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Under supervision, assists with delegated treatment plan activities, i.e. patient mobility, assist patient in practicing exercises or functional activities, transport patients, equipment inspection and maintenance, supply procurement, and variety of basic office functions. Assists and provides information related to re-enforcing safety awareness and home exercise program for patients.
• Prepares work areas and equipment such as but not limited to: cleaning/disinfecting, gathering equipment, materials, and supplies to the appropriate work areas.
• Contributes towards improving department score for patient satisfaction.

QUALITY/SAFETY ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Collaborates and communicates with the healthcare team patient’s response to delegated activities. Gathers patient information prior to assign patient’s treatment session.
• Identifies opportunities for process improvement providing recommendations impacting quality and safety targets, through peer-to-peer accountability, reporting near misses, and collaborating with the interprofessional team. Contributes to meeting department and hospital targets for quality and safety.

FINANCE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Uses resources efficiently to maximize utilization of time and equipment. Meets labor productivity standards, by effectively managing established daily responsibilities and assignments.
• Assists on gathering data for quality improvement projects, daily charge reconciliation for productivity and inventory of supplies in the department. May, if requested, maintain accurate and complete documentation of patient care procedures performed.
• Self-motivated to independently manage time effectively, minimizing incidental overtime, and prioritize tasks for self.

GROWTH/INNOVATION ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Participates in department projects and hospital committees.
• Seeks opportunities to expand learning beyond baseline competencies with a focus on continual development. Fosters a positive and constructive patient care environment by engaging co-workers in learning opportunities that are valuable and in alignment with department objectives.
• Offers innovative solutions through participation in performance improvement projects and department shared governance activities. Completes and updates My Development plan on an on-going basis, including the development of advanced skills.

SUPPLEMENTAL REQUIREMENTS
WORK ATTIRE

• Uniform: No
• Scrubs: Yes
• Business professional: No
• Other (department approved): Yes

ON-CALL*
*Note that employees may be required to be on-call during emergencies (ie. Disaster, Severe Weather Events, etc) regardless of selection below.

• On Call* No

TRAVEL**
**Travel specifications may vary by department**

• May require travel within the Houston Metropolitan area No
• May require travel outside Houston Metropolitan area No

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

• High School diploma or equivalent education (examples include: GED, verification of homeschool equivalency, partial or full completion of post-secondary education, etc.)

EXPERIENCE

• Experience in a healthcare setting highly preferred

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS
Required

• BLS - Basic Life Support or Instructor (AHA) - American Heart Association